August books round-up

The Time of the Clockmaker
Anna Caltabiano
(Gollancz, £14.99)

A sequel to her debut novel The Seventh Miss Hatfield, Anna Catabiano’s new book follows Rebecca as she finds herself stranded in Tudor England. With her mentor shockingly killed and the clock that enables her to travel in time stolen, the young heroine must do everything she can to find her way back. Although lacking emotional maturity, the book is easy to follow with a strong, likeable first person narrator.

Cess: A Spokening
Gordon Lish
(OR Books, £12)

Gordan Lish’s latest work takes shape as four separate chapters or parts, including two stream-of-consciousness notes and 150 pages containing what appears to be a random list of words. This is the sort of novel that you have to “get”, and more clued-up readers will supposedly unearth great hidden depths.

The Other Side of World
Stephanie Bishop
(Tinder Press, £16.99)

Set in Cambridge in the early sixties, Stephanie Bishop’s latest novel takes a look at the relationship between Charlotte and her husband Henry, who decide, through their marital struggles, to up sticks and move to Perth, Australia. It is a deeply insightful and emotional read that will stay with you after the last page has been turned.

Sputnik Caledonia
Andrew Crumey
(Dedalus, £9.99)

A re-release of Andrew Crumey’s highly acclaimed novel, this book, split into three parts, begins with protagonist Robbie’s upbringing in Scotland, with his staunch socialist father, dreaming of becoming a cosmonaut. Then after being immersed in a parallel, communist universe, the third part of the novel sees his return to the real world as a middle-aged man, or perhaps a ghost. This is a highly original and ambitious piece of work, written in an engaging style.

Pretty Baby
Mary Kubica
(MIRA Harlequin, £7.99)

Heidi Wood sees a teenage girl struggle cradling a baby in the pouring rain. Suspecting the girl is homeless, Heidi can’t help but take her home to her family, who aren’t best pleased with the new addition to their household. This novel is a slow burner, but the unravelling truth is sure to keep you reading right until the end.

The House of Shattered Wings
Alliette De Bodard
(Gollancz, £20)

Alliette de Bodard’s latest fantasy creation entwines three distinct voices in one tale. Set in an alternative 1930s Paris, the story brings together a naïve but powerful fallen angel, a self-destructive alchemist, and a spell master from the Far East, who try to try to save House Silverspires. For those who enjoy gothic fantasies and are willing to fully plunge themselves into a writer’s vivid imagination, this book is a compelling read.

Lock In
John Scalzi
(Gollancz, £8.99)

Lock In explores the complex reactions to a plague that sweeps across earth, affecting millions of people. Having different results on everyone it attacks, one per cent of those afflicted find themselves locked in, unable to move or respond to others but not actually dead. Progress in science results in those in this state being able to use other people’s bodies as if they were their own. Inevitably this progression is open to misuse. The twists and turns make for a gripping read.